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A review by bigfrickingswede
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The publisher's blurb, in an attempt at either avoiding the negative tinge of calling this fantasy (or maybe not disappointing fans of fantasy?), says this book "defies categorization." Reader, this is a work of literary fantasy, influenced heavily by African history and folklore. No need to dress it up more.
The "literary" part of that is important, as this book is as much about how it's told (and the very concept of storytelling), rather than just being plot-focused. While the opening section pulls the reader in with the main character, Tracker, relating their recovery of a man hiding in a dark underworld, the book then slows down significantly, delving into Tracker's youth and adolescence. All of which are important, but might surprise those who relied on the other part of the publisher's blurb, which emphasizes a search to find a child.
It was in this portion of the novel that I struggled the most--I wasn't sure how to feel about the Tracker, or his learning and growth. But it pays off once you are through it, as we can see his younger self influence his adult form: we know why he's such a rogue (known as much for having a nose for finding people as he is for having a mouth that makes his employers regret hiring him), but we also have a balance to his rough edges. We can love him for his care for abandoned children, and we can understand how his past traumas make him put everyone at an arm's length.
All the same, it's hard to love this novel. Its leaps in time, the harshness of its world (and Tracker's life), etc., are not entirely balanced out by its engaging, true voice, and the few lovely bright spots Tracker encounters. It's a needed story and a powerful one, but it feels much like its main character--refusing to let other people in completely.
The "literary" part of that is important, as this book is as much about how it's told (and the very concept of storytelling), rather than just being plot-focused. While the opening section pulls the reader in with the main character, Tracker, relating their recovery of a man hiding in a dark underworld, the book then slows down significantly, delving into Tracker's youth and adolescence. All of which are important, but might surprise those who relied on the other part of the publisher's blurb, which emphasizes a search to find a child.
It was in this portion of the novel that I struggled the most--I wasn't sure how to feel about the Tracker, or his learning and growth. But it pays off once you are through it, as we can see his younger self influence his adult form: we know why he's such a rogue (known as much for having a nose for finding people as he is for having a mouth that makes his employers regret hiring him), but we also have a balance to his rough edges. We can love him for his care for abandoned children, and we can understand how his past traumas make him put everyone at an arm's length.
All the same, it's hard to love this novel. Its leaps in time, the harshness of its world (and Tracker's life), etc., are not entirely balanced out by its engaging, true voice, and the few lovely bright spots Tracker encounters. It's a needed story and a powerful one, but it feels much like its main character--refusing to let other people in completely.